5 Reasons To Visit Croatia

Croatia is fast-becoming the kind of travel destination that should find its way to the top of your bucket list. In just two hours from London you’ll encounter a gem of a destination where history, culture and stunning landscapes collide, with clear waters and rocky coves. Croatia combines a blend of glamour and tradition set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hillsides and rich green forests, all hemmed by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you can explore over 120 miles of coastline overlooking more than 1000 Adriatic islands. From unforgettable Game of Thrones scenery and beautiful architecture, to a legendary music scene and the perfect climate; there are countless reasons why Croatia is becoming such a travel hot spot but we’ve narrowed down the list to give you our top reasons that Croatia should be the next place you visit.

You simply can’t leave Croatia without seeing Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is one of the most unique, charming and beautiful cities in the world. Walking ‘the wall’ is a must. There are many hidden highlights lurking within the ancient architecture. Visit the fascinating Franciscan Monastery and the Maritime Museum, situated in the fortress Sveti Ivan. Dubrovnik Old Town is a true treasure all of its own and we recommend a day trip to this idyllic city, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Many film directors have chosen Dubrovnik as the setting for global blockbusters on account of the visually arresting vistas. The city has proven a beguiling backdrop for such cinematic heavyweights as Game of Thrones and Star Wars and is rumoured to be the setting for the next James Bond film. For a taste of Europe-meets-Hollywood, with plenty of architectural artistry to boot, make Dubrovnik your A-List destination of choice.

The Ancient World

Croatia will fuel even the most disenchanted traveller with a sense of intrigue, discovery and adventure. If you are particularly interested in ancient history, Croatia boasts a number of historical sites that have managed to withstand the test of time. Aquae Iasae was once the site of a Roman bath. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split has been standing since the seventh century and is still in remarkably good condition. Besides Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, other must-sees include Brijuni National Park, located on a sunny Adriatic island just off the Istrian peninsula. While touring Brijuni National Park, you’ll find the Roman and Byzantine ruins and 100-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. You can’t get much more ancient than that! Croatia’s fascinating history is ever present in the stunning architecture of the ancient beautiful buildings and the alluring ambience is being celebrated loud and proud with an inspired festival combining architecture and music. The Dubrovnik Opera Festival is a truly unique event, taking place in one of Croatia’s oldest churches to showcase the building’s incredible acoustics to their full effect.

Croatian wine just might blow your mind. Croatia’s rich history extends to its culinary prowess and there is no end to the delectable delights you can enjoy. Facing Italy and sharing a landmass with Spain, France and Portugal it is perhaps no wonder how Croatia’s winning wine-making has gone almost un-noticed for so long. When it comes to cuisine, Croatia is ingredient-rich, with fresh produce and delicious local seafood in abundance. In Croatia, you get Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. The island’s intense winds spread the delicious salt of the Adriatic Sea everywhere – even onto the vegetation that the sheep graze on. Croatia’s climate is also perfect for the cultivation of olives. In fact some of the olive trees in Croatia are a staggering 1,600 years old. Most of the restaurants you dine at in Croatia will offer you fresh bread with Croatian olive oil as a complimentary starter, and believe me – it’s so good you’ll consider skipping the main course and feasting on bread with olive oil all evening. From the finest seafood and world-class oysters, Croatian cuisine serves a real wow-factor.

Explore whimsical Hvar

Hvar Island is another must-see while you’re in Croatia, and getting there is an easy ferry trip from Dubrovnik. A charming port and harbour city, Hvar has great waterfront restaurants and bars, and a very unique nightlife scene. When it comes to nightlife, the Central Park ClubHvar has some of the best live music you’ll ever see, and upstairs is a fine dining restaurant with a beautiful terrace view. Forgoing the usual bar scene, many travellers often simply purchase aSomersby cider and a slice of delicious Mediterranean pizza from the local shop, then eat and drink with their friends on the harbour-front walkway, dangling their legs into the cool Adriatic Sea whiles people watching. Since the music from the harbour-front’s bars can still be heard from the walkway, it’s the perfect solution for those who want to experienceHvar’s nightlife without being in a crowded club or bar.

The stunning and clear turquoise-blue water of the Adriatic Sea is at your fingertips in Croatia. Renting a boat once you arrive is a must if you want to see the iconic blue and green caves. The blue cave encloses the most epic electric-blue water, and although swimming is not allowed in this one it makes for incredible pictures. There are also plenty of gorgeous hidden beaches such as Stiniva Bay located near the caves and only accessible via boat, this would make for the perfect day trip combined with the caves. With the wind in your hair and the sun beaming down on you, just let your boat take you. We’re definitely sold!